Because as I watch Wren grab the sunscreen and start applying it to her legs, I immediately sport a semi.
Andthat’snot very gentlemanly at all.
Wren continues, her sun-hat and sunglasses making her look like a summer-goddess—despite the fact it’s only March. I knew I made the right call when I ordered all the little extras that people never think of until they get to the beach. Not that this is a beach, but the same concept applies.
But just like I thought, there’s no movement from the cabins surrounding the lake. I don’t think anyone would recognize her, but better safe than sorry. Plus, you know, the whole not-wanting-others-to-see-my-omega-in-a-bathing-suit thing.
Her hands run over her arms next, and my eyes trail the path her fingers leave behind, and…shit.
I shake my head, clearing my throat as I grab the umbrella and jam it into the sand. I was just ogling her like a horny teenager.
Hopefully she didn’t notice.
Straightening, I mentally double-check the snack to drink ratio in the cooler. I can’t have my omega going hungry or thirsty on our date.
It has to be perfect. I’m the only one who hasn’t made a move on her yet—physically, at least—and I don’t want her to doubt for a second justhow serious I am.
Placing the cooler between the two chairs, I scan the set up, trying to see if I forgot anything.
Shit. The umbrella is still closed.
I get on my ass in the sand, realizing that I should have opened itbeforesetting it in the sand, but I’m not about to pull it out now. My hands reach underneath, searching for the little mechanism to open it.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m thankful as hell that my buddy keeps the cabin stocked with all the shit needed for a lake day, but couldn’t he have bought a less fussy umbrella? I swear this is harder than trying to unhook a bra.
“Um, Brennan?” Her sweet voice calls my attention, and I glance at her. “I think I can help—”
“Song Bird,” I huff, shaking my head. “I can handle opening an umbrella.” What kind of alpha would I be for my omega if I can’t even set up beach equipment?
“But—”
My hands still search under the canopy, and I’m getting increasingly frustrated. But there’s no way I’m going to risk looking like an idiot by having to take it out of the sand. “Wren—”
“Look, it’s—”
“I’ve got it!” Why won’t she let me try to take care of her?
“Fucking hell, Brennan!” she shouts, and my jaw drops. She just…yelled at me? “It’s right fucking here!” She reaches down, jamming her finger into the pole down near the sand.
The canopy snaps open.
It expands so quickly, we’re both caught off guard. The material smacks me in the face, throwing off my balance as my hands fly up, making me land on my back. Wren jumps back so quickly she trips and lands on her ass. Her sunglasses tumble from her face, landing right in the sand.
There’s silence for a moment.
I blink up at the clear blue sky, wondering how I managed to fuck up this date so…so…royally.
The whole thing is so ridiculous. I was in the damn Marines for fuck’s sake. I’m a certified sharp-shooter. I’ve taken down more men than I can count, and a damn umbrella makes me lose my cool?
Wren breaks the silence first. “I yelled at you,” she gasps softly, horror in her voice. “Oh my gods, Brennan, I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean—”
She’s cut off by my burst of laughter.
Loud, raucous laughter, that has tears rolling down my cheeks.
My omega yelled at me, rightly so.
I was being a stubborn ass, more concerned about looking good than I was listening to her.
